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f HEW YORK 

V New Haven 













PIERS 25a2B EAST RIVER 



^,),.^^(iuc Connccticuf V(»1U:>' 

-NEVV-.H-AVEN- 



"■'L'L37 1893" 



INTRODUCTORY. 



.MERE are manv clianiiing bits of landscape and numerous interesting 
places lying ^along the ronte of tlie New Haven Line that at once 
attract the attention of the pleasure seeker and the traveler. 

It has been the aim in presenting this work to furnish information 
tliat is greatly sought after during the trip, and putting the same 
forth in such a descriptive way, that the points of particular note 
along the shore may be easily lo,-ated and those that awaken the most 

interest readily known. 

This little book or guide, while adding to the entertainment attending one of 
the best trips out of the Metropolis, will very fittingly serve as a souvenir, and revive 
memories of the delightful hours that were whiled away gliding through the open 
waters of Long Island Sound. 




Copyright, 1893, 
By E. F. De V.mng 



Engraved and Printed by 
New York Engraving & Printing Co 



A TRIP FROM THE METROPOLIS TO THE CITY OF ELMS 



BY E. F. DE YOUNG. 

"How fresh was every sight and sound, 

On open main and winding shore, 

We knew the merry world was round. 

And we might sail for evermore." tennyson. 

ABOARD 1 

The last bell lias tolled, the old familiar cry "all 
ashore that's going ashore" has sounded throughout the 
steamer. There is the usual parting of friends, the hasty 
good-bye, the many wishes for a "bon voyage" and all is 
ready.' The heavy lines that have kept the steamer 
securely in her berth are now quickly cast off and 
%promptlv hauled aboard. 

"*■ Clang goes the big gong far down in the depths of the engine 

room. The massive machinery is set in motion, a slight tremor is 
l^Vfeft, the cool breeze from the water fans the brow, we are moving and a 
moment later we are out in the stream. 

Leaving behind us the never ceasing hum of busy life on shore, the 
brain racking rattle of the great Metropolis, we can now look forward with a sense of 
pleasure to the charming sail we are about to take upon the waters of Long Island Sound, 
combined as it is with speed, safety, and comfort. _ 

We are soon gliding swiftly under the great span of the Brooklyn ^l^^^^'^'^^'f^^^ 
the connecting link of the two leading cities, New York and Brooklyn. ^A e are filled with 




admiration as wegazeiipon this immense structure, witii its lieavv cables suspended high above 
from which hangs a complete net woi-k of thousnnds of wire strands, and we think what litting 
Tuoiiuments those huge, lofty stone piers are to the engineering skill and the bus}' hand of 
the workingmaii that reared them. The height of span above mean high water at tlie centre 
is 135 feet and at the piers 119 feet, it was built at a cost of fifteen million dollars. There is 
a broad promenade in the centre on each side of which run the cable cars under a couple of 
minutes headway. Outside of the cable road — on each side, there is a wide roadway for 
carriages and teams.' A trip across the bridge surprises one by its magnitude, while tlie view 
of the surrounding country is one of grandeur. 

As we head up the stream under the bridge, astern of us can be seen " Liberty enlighten- 
ing the World," the great Bartholdi Statue, situated on Bedlow's Island, New York Harboi'. 
This Statue was unveiled, Thursday, Oct. 28th, 1886 amid imposing ceremonies, there being 
both a land and water parade. The height of the Statue from base to torch is lol feet ; height 
of pedestal, 89 feet ; height of foundation, fio feet, making in all 805 feet from foundation 
of pedestal to top of torch. 

Looking toward the lower end of New York, we can see the large square tower of the 
Produce Exchange, the immense Washington Building, the tall spire of old Trinity, the 
Cotton Exchange and the Equitable Building with weather signal station on top. Also the 
buildings of the Western Union Telegraph, the Post Office, the "Times," the "Tribune," the 
" Sun " and the gilded dome of the " World." 

On tlie Brooklyn side appear Columbia Heights, extensive stores and warehouses, 
lining the river front where ships from far distant ports unload their cargoes. 

Governor's Island lies below with old Castle William frowning down the bay, to the 
southward of the Island and separating it from Brooklyn shore lies Buttermilk Channel. 




JilAQKUV-LS JSLITKD. 






Proceeding up the stream, Brooklyn Navv Yai-fl i^ «ifna+.-i 
yellow, is .Ue „M tZ:Lj^^Z^Z'Tt ""' " ''°'°'*' ■■°°' ^"'' "»'"'«' » ^•■'* 

3i..aJ:ru:;ir4t'c':hrr' "■- ^'--^ ^^'^- ="-™ "'«^-"- -<• "■« ."-'^ 

tiuKs and used as a prisonshin A .,rp,! 7 Man-ot-War was stationed in revol„tionary 

the p..ese„. site o, 'he ^ yJZZ! ^TT^ ^'^' ^"* ^^^ ''"™^ "*>"" 
mansolenm at For. G,ee„e. a sho,.t distance aty ' "'""""' ^'"' ''""'"""' '" *"« 

theNa;";tdTh:rwi:;i::,:xx^::;:-';;»- °"- 

J. ^. Point with its great oil works, and here also the station of 

the Long Island Railroad, connected with New York bv 
several ferries. -^ 

Newtown Creek lies below Hunters Point 
being the southern boundary line of what is now 
known as Long Island City. 

On the left, New York looms up with its 
solid blocks of houses, immense buildings and 




coal docks and iron works, tlie feiiy boats aoa„in« 

.11 kinds of craft from tlie' diminutive row-boat or saucy, puffing little tug to the gieat uon 
^^: oc an^^^^^^^ all combine to form a very extensive and ever changing panorama. 

Bellevue Hospital, the great hospital of the metropolis, a series of gray bu.ld.ngs on 

New York side, opposite Greenpoint. i =„ thP cpntre of 

The large stone structures on BlackwelFs Island soon appear ahead .n the centre 

the river audit is not long before we are abreast of them. 

The course is o-enerally the channel to the left and New York shore is follo.^d ak>ng as 

,..rr:^iland. Whence the steamerpoints to the rightin^r^ 

The Channel to the right of Blackwell's Island may be used as ^^^''^ ^/'^ !'''''r ^21. and 
n tw ^ew York side we pass the Bathing Club houses and swimming schools, and 

..the': ^if^nl::^;t:re pavilions, ''Empire City Colloseum'' aM ''Washington 

Park," built on the grounds of what several years ago was known as Jones AA oods. 
A few minutes more and we pass East River Park. 
Blackwell's Island, the great penal colony of the City and County of New . ork and 

consequently a place of unusual interest appears on our right. 



The principal buildings may be known from the accompanying cut. 

At the extreme end of the Island, stands a stone light house. At night from the lan- 
tern a steady red light is displayed. 

AVe are now swinging around and heading through Hell Gate, passing Astoria on the 
right. The Gate light is located here on what is known as Halletts Point, on the left before 
reaching the light we pass Flood Rock and still to left toward New^ York shore, we see 
Lelands Island. 

Hell Gate Light at night flashes alternately a white and red light. 

Pot Cove lies around the turn from the light house. We follow along Astoria shore, 
passing Ward's Island on the left. 

The trip through the Gate always awakens interest, although vast changes have taken 
place, the drill, the explosive, and the onward march of improvement have robbed it of all its 
former dangers, the bronzed and stolid mariner of years gone by may have " shaken in his 
boots," as he guided his little craft through, but there is no longer any cause for fear or 
apprehension. To-day all kinds of vessels, both great and small sail through with perfect safety. 

The point of land as we reach Ward's Island is known as "Negro Point." On the 
New York side of the Island are situated the Emigrant Refuge Buildings, and about the 
centre the Ward Island Hospital and Lunatic Asylum, the smaller building near our side of 
the Island is the Inebriate Asylum. 

On Randall's Island to the left, ixhev ])assing Ward's Island is situated the House of 
Refuge. 

Little Hell Gate is the stretch of water lietweeu tlie two Islands. 

Randall's Island lies directly at the mouth of Harlem river, part of which meeting the 
East River at the upper iMid of Randall's Island is known as Bronx Kills. 














! 1- U'ITt 




The picturesque shore of Astoria ends about opposite here 
on the right, at the turn of land known as Lawrence Point. 

Back of this point lies Berrians Island, and still further to 
the southward Bowery Bay. 

It was in this locality just off 139th Street, New York and 

about one-eighth of a mile from shore, that the Frigate Huzzar, 

having on board the pay of the British troops at the time of the 

^.^r^E^ revolution, was sunk with all its wealth, very little if any of the 

enoi-mous treasure has ever been recovered. It is alleged that at the 

time of foundering she had on board $4,800,000. 

Ijijokiiii; aut-ai^i w <- aieabout to pass in betweentwo Islands, the Island to the right is South 

Brother, the one to the left on which stands a light house, is North Brother. At night the 

liglit house tower shows a steady wliite light. The buildings on North Brother Island ai'e 

hospitals. 

Port Morris lies on the other sitle of North Brother Island, on the left. 
Oak Point lies a little fui'ther on froTii Port Morris, with large bathing and pleasure 
l)avilions on the beach. 

Riker's Island is on the right after passing South Brother Island. 

From Hiker's Island, stretching out to the right lies Flushing Bay, looking across the 
Bay we see the pretty vilhige of Flushing. 

After passing the islands referred to, the lirst point of land we near on the left is 
Leggets Point, and just a little sail and Hunts Point is reached, on same side. Tlie two 
extreme ends of Hunts Point are known as Barreto Point and Spaffords Point. 

There is a little cove after passing this last named point into which the Bronx River 




has its outlet. Still following up the shore on the left after passing the little cove, we sail 
Clason Point, better known as Clausen Point, the extreme end of Cornells Neck. Hei 
follows another cov'e and into the same Westchester Cteek has its outlet. 

After passing here we see a point of land on which there is a little bluff and clump 
of trees. This place is Old Ferry Point. 

The first land we near on the right after sailing across the entrance of Flushing Bay is 
College Point. 

Here a little way on is Powell's Cove, and then we pass Whitestone. 

A¥hitestone is not exactly opposite Old Ferry Point, but it may easily be known as we 
pass quite near the shore, on which there is a small light house tower. 

The New York Herald has a, station here, reporting both the incoming and outgoing 
vessels. 

We now see a red buoy some distance ahead of us around which the steamer will soon 
rui'ii. 

Before reaching the buoy a, little cove is noticed cm our right. Tiiis nook is Little Bay 
Side. The white building on the beach is the Hotel. 

The land following along here on the left is Throgg's Neck. 

Turning the buoy we pass in between two Forts, Fort Grant, the United States Arsenal 
and Torpedo Station, and School on the right, and Fort Schuyler on the left. 

On Throgg's Point stands a. light house, which at night displays a steady white light. 

The Fort on the right is situated on what is known as Willets Point. 

Still following along on the right after passing Little Neck Bay, which stretches out from 
the Fort we reach Elm Point, the western extreme of Great Neck. The next point of land 
following or as might be said the eastern extreme of Great Neck is called Hewlett's Point. 




Turning to the left, Pelham Bay spreads to the northward from Throgg"s 
Point and is the eastern boundary line of West Chester County. 

Stepping Stone Light is on the brick house in middle of channel. Steady 
red light is displayed from tower at night. 

City Island is on the left about opposite Stepping Stone Light, back of 
which lies Pelham Neck. 

On City Island is located Belden's Point, a beautiful, breezy, summer resort 
for New Yorkers. 

Hart Island follows on the left, after City Island. Potter's F'ield the 
burying ground for the pauper and unknown dead, is located here. 

Looking across to the right from Hart Island, and after passing Hewletts 
Point referred to, Manhasset or Cow Bay spreads to the southward. 
Oriental Grove is just to the westward of Hewletts Point. 
Port Washington lies in Cow Bay with its houses on the hillside. 
Plum Beach is a sandy stretch of land in front of Port AVashington. 
Rosedale Grove is situated in Cow Bay, near the mouth on the eastern shore. A large 
house is seen witli slanting roof and thick trees in the background. 
Barkers Point is at the eastern mouth of Cow Bay. 

Looking across to the left, Davids Island is seen with large brick water towei'. Back of 
Davids Island lies Glen Island. 

Still further on Whortleberry Island is passed, back of which lies Davenports Neck 
off the shore of New Rochelle. 

Sands Point Light, white tower on the beach to the right, at night tower shows steady 
white light. 







..:s>»ig^JS5&'L 



MD/m^^^^^ 









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Sands Point, back of light-liouse is a pleasure resort with liotels and 
liavilions near the beach. 

Execution Light is situated in middle of channel about on a line with 
Sands Point Light. This spot is what is termed the head of Long Island Sound. 
The Tower of Execution at night displays a white Hash light. 
^ Following along on the right, the Long Island shore, after passing Sands 

Point, the next reached is Prospect Point, a high sandy bluff. 

Hempstead Harbor or Glen Cove spreads to the southward at this point. 
Sea Cliff, famous for Camp Meetings may be seen on the eastern shove of 
the Harbor. 

Roslyn is situated at the head of Hempstead Harbor. 
After passing the Harbor we reach Matinicock Point. 
Directly across the Sound lie the villages of Mamaroneck and Rye. 
Captains Island Light, on stone house to our left, displays a steady white light at night. 
Portchester is just bark of Captains Island and to the eastward of Portchester lies 
Greenwich. 

About on a line with Captains Island is the boundary line of Xe\v York State and 
Connecticut. 

Byram Cove lies at the boundary line. 

Here at Greenwich, conspicuously located on the shore stands a large white building 
which in the palmy days of Bill Tweed the New York politician, whom everyone has un- 
doubtedly heard of, was the Americus Club House. 

It was while selecting a grove on Greenwich Harbor for the club house that 
Tweed found his summer home at Greenwich, and there is quite an interesting little sketch 



c.onnected with its purchase. Those who knew Mr. Tweed best were aware that he was ,nos 
keenly imi^ressed with quaint or striking bits of landscape, and it was just such a bit ha 
struck his'fancv as he was riding through the little country village, for such it was at that 
time It was the farm of Alvar Meade, that was bounded on one side by the old Boston 
and New York turnpike, sloped away down the southeast and terminated m the bluft known 
'.s Pufs Hill hardly a stone's throw distant from the tall steeple which can be phxinly 
'seen at this point oi; the shore, and it was in this locality where General Putnam made his 
tenih' plunie on horse4.ack down the rocky precipice pursued by the British, who die 
not dare to follow but who sent their bullets whizzing after him grazing his coat and 

cutting through his hat. 

From the bluff a line view of the Sound and of the white sands and green hills 
of Long Island was presented and at the foot of the bank curled a little inlet from 
the Sound, back of the old tide mill pond. 

The quaint old shingled mill where the tide furnished the power to grind gram 
for ^Vashinu■ton•s army, stood in the vista and the whirr of its wheel could be heard. 

T^vP.d was charmed with the spot at the first glance and decided to possess it, 
tl,.u he n.iuht make it the plac. lor peaceful retreat for himself and his family. 

But he found it not so easy to possess. 
The Farmer who owned it knew the value of 
money but land was even more than money to him 
ad he refused to sell. 

Tweed persisted and asked Farmer Meade 
to name a price without avail. 

One morning he met the Farmer in the 
depot and ill a bantering manner said: 




"Now I don't believe you know the value of that piece of land. What would 
be a figure that would make you part with it"? 

The Farmer with a whimsical look, and as though he meant to stageer Tweed 
said : ' 

"Well, Mr. Tweed I guess I would sell for $60,000." 

' ' You guess, will jon ? ' ' 

"Yes, because nobody would pay that." 

But Mr. Tweed had stepped to the ticket window and called for a pen and in 
a second had scratched off a check for $60,000. 

He handed it quickly to Farmer Meade, who dumfounded, took it. And Mr. Tweed 
laughingly said that they would make arrangements later for the formal transfer. 

The price was enormous, as land values then were in Greenwich. The whole property 
was assessed for less than one thousand dollars. 

Sixty thousand dollars for a bit of farm land of fifty-odd acres away out in the 
country I 

The people thought this was a case of Tweed's extravagance and recklessness 
with money, and yet he never closed a better bargain, as he must have known. For 
Tweed with a keen business eye saw what land values were bound to be in Greenwich 
in a few years time. 

Many a happy day Tweed spent in the seclusion of the handsome home that he 
built, and he would have been contented to live there the balance of his life but the 
crash to the Tweed ring came and Tweed was thrown into Ludlow Street jail New 
York, where, after making a successful attempt to escape, he finally ended 'his' days 
He. died there, April 12th, 1878. 



-''^M^"^- 





F^ollowiiig along tlie -Wt'V Connecticut shore just fur- 

ther on we pass Stamford A^^mi^ Liglit- To the northward 

lies the town of Stamford. 



Shippan Point is Just „ ^ aliead of Stamford Liglit. 

Stamford Light at night - "" displays a steady red light. 

Looking across the Sound toward Long Island we find 

ourselves passing Oyster Bay, the upper part of which is known ;is Cold Spring Harbor. 
The land at the western mouth of the Bay is called Centre Island Point. The eastern 
side of Oyster Bay washes the shore of Lloyd's Neck or Queen's Village. 

After passing here the next inlet reached is Huntington Bay. On the bluff known as 
Eaton's Neck and to the eastward of Huntington Bay stands Huntington Light. At night it 
displays a steady white light. A life saving station is located here. 

From Eaton's Neck the great Sinitlitowii Bay sweeps to the soiitliward and eastward 
and the Sound widens out to such an extent that we will return to tlie Connecticut 
shore which we now follow more closely. 

Almost opposite Huntington on the Connecticut side, we pass Norionton Point 
and the picturesque Norwalk Islands. 

Norwalk Light is located here, showing at night alteriuitely a white tiash and 
a red flash light. 

After passing the Norwalk Islands we sail by Cechir Point and Farms Point, 
back of which is (5reen Farms: then Kensies Point, fronting Soutliport, Pine Creek 
Point, back which lies Mill Plain: then follows Fairfield Beacli, fronting the Milage 
of Fairfield. 



A short sail brings the steamer off Penfield Eeef Liglit, which at niglit flashes 
at short intervals a brilliant red light. 

Black Rock Harbor is situated just back of Penheld Reef Light. 

A little to the eastward of Pentield we have Black Rock Light, which at niglit 
shows a steady white light. 

Bridgeport is passed after a few minutes sail. 

Bridgeport Light, located at the Harbor shows at night a steady red light. 

After passing Bridgeport, ahead of us is seen a point of land on which stands 
ii light-house with a white tower. This is Stratford Point. 

Stratford Light at night Hashes at short intervals a powerful white light. 

Stratford Village lies to the northward of this point. 

Housatonic River has it outlet just around the turn and on the east side of 
Stratford Point. 

Looking far out into tlie Suuiid, when about opposite Stratford a little astern 
of the steamer is seen the Middle Ground Light, which like its sister liglit on shore, 
at night Hashes a white light from the tower, but at shorter intervals. 



The Middle Ground Light has 
Long Island, but if we were sailing 
as we are now off the Connec- 
appear as far away on oui^,, , 
being situated in the middle 
idea of the width of the Sound 

About twelve or fifteen 
brings the steamer abreast ^"i 
to the Connecticut shoi-e. 




the' appearance of being close to 
oft'^f lie Long Island shore the same 
ticut, the Light-house would 
left as it is on our right, 
of the Sound. This gives an 
£tt this point. 

minutes sail from Stratford, 
Charles Island, situated close 



Just back of Charles Island lies the town of Milford. 

Merwins Point is reached after a short sail of five or six minutes from Charles 

Island. 

New Haven Light is now almost directly ahead and a short sail brings us to the 
"Breakwater" on which the lighthouse stands. 

New Haven Light at night displays a steady white light. 

The Steamer's course lies in between the lighthouse and West Haven shore, and passing 
through we sail into the waters of New Haven Bay. 

The sail up the Harbor in the early summer evening is indeed superb. The vessels 
riding at anchor inside the breakwater are one by one beginning to hang out their 
signal for the night, which twinkle brighter and brighter as the veil of evening falls 
and the placid waters of the Bay are only ruffled by the swell from our steamer as 
she moves majestically along to her berth. 

Entering we haye East Haven shore on the right, and West Haven shore with Savin 
Rock on the left. 

Looking directly up the Harbor the blue top of Mount Carmel can be seen in 
the distance. The outlines of the ridge against the sky strikingly resemble that of a 
human form of very great proportions. Lying with face upturned and with an arm 
thrown across the breast, New Haveners call this freak of nature the "sleeping 
giant.'- 

At the end of East Haven shore, towards the Sound stands Old New Haven 
Light, now discontinued. 

This spot is known as Old Five Mile Point. TIk- <■]nm]^ of trees in the back- 
ground is Lighthouse Grove. 




Following up the east shore, we pass Morris Cove and 
on shore see the cottages of the summer guests. 

The point of land in the upper mouth of the Cove is 

Old Fort Hale. 

The West shore is dotted with a great many 
pretty villas, and spacious open air pavilions. 

The "Jetty" is the long pier shaped structure 

running out quite a distance from the shore. 

_ Long Wharf, the longest pier in the world, is 

^ soon passed and as the steamer moves by three long 

blasts from her whistle are given— a signal to the landing 

place which is directly ahead, just to the left of Old Tom- 

linson Bridge, and known as Belle Dock, which derived its 

name from the Steamer P>elle running on the line many years ago. 

Sio-nals to the engine room once nu,re are given, the heavy lines are run out 
and in a short while the steamer is resting in her berth. We walk ashore upon the 
old historical steamboat wharf and are now in the "City of Elms." 

Enjoyable: we say as we leave the landing tilled with pleasant reminiscences 
of the trip, strengthened and refreslied by the health giving, cool, bracing air of Long 
Island Sound. 

What a vast difference in tlie mode and style of travel there is revealed 
when we look l)ack and think of the ways and means that existed in our grancU'ather' s 
time. 

Today tlie trip lietween Kew York and New Haven is but a few hours sail, in 



''Ye olden time"" it miglit well be called a voyage as it had to be made in sloops 
and occupied abont a week. 

It was in 1815 that the first steamboat pointed her nose into New Haven Bay. 

The rumor had been spread that a "boat on wheels'" was soon to arrive from 
New York and the good people of New Haven were almost ready to explode with pent 
up excitment. 

Great was the wonderment as to what such an object would look like, and the 
doubting Thomases of those days even went so far as to declare the whole thing an 
immense hoax. 

At last she came ! the twenty-first day of March, 1815. 

The Al copper-fastened, • copper-boiler, fast-sailing, sea-going, steamship " Fulton "" 
hove in sight, and steamed to the landing place. Captain Elihu S. Bnnker in command. 

She carried a i^assenger list of thirty people and the trij? had been made from the 
metropolis in a little over eleven hours. 

As the little band of voyagers stepped ashore and straightened out their cramped 
up bodies and shook the kinks out of their legs, those who greeted them at the landing 
place were in a feverish state of ex(;itement. In fact the quaint little New England 
town went wild. 

Be it remevihered ! the Fulton, was the first 
boat propelled hy steam to pass through Long Island jt.y/\' 

Sound. I ,-^^^V f 

She then started in making regular trips to New 
York and return twice n week, the rate of ])assa<re 
being six dollars one wa\ . 



The Fulton laid up daring the winter months. The management did not attempt 
to run her through the severe and stormy weather. 

June 19th, 1815, the Fulton increased her trips to three a week. 

The Steamboat "Connecticut" took her place in 1818, and Captain Bunker was 
transferred from the Fulton to the command of this vessel. The Connecticut continued 
to run until May, 1822. 

During the latter part of November, 1821 the company made the purchase of the 
Steamboat " United States," which was on the ways in New Jersey in an unfinished 
condition. 

This was the nucleus of the present New Haven Steamboat Co., the United States 
being the first boat owned by this Line. 

The Company at once made preparations as soon as their steamer was completed to 
get her to New Haven. This was accomplished in the spring of 1822. 

Now at this time the prohibitory laws of New York State forbid the passing 
through her waters, any boat propelled by steam, and it became necessary to get her 
into the Sound by some means or power not so objectionable. 

The Huntress was a large sloop running on the old Packet Line. She was com- 
manded by Captain Benj. Beecher. Captain Beecher was sent with his vessel to bring 
the United States to New Haven. 

The Huntress after making fast to the new boat began to beat up the East 
River. Quite some excitement prevailed along the shore, the New Yorkers putting out 
in boats and following the Huntress with her tow as she wended her way towards 
Hell Gate. 

It might be added that Tlie Now York people at this early period were extremely 




X-^ jealous oj; the Connecticut enterprise, and they had great expectations 
'• '" of seeing the steamboat knocked to pieces and wrecl^ed in Hell Gate 
where numerous obstructions had been placed. 

But Captain Beecher had firmly made up his mind to " never say 
die." A good stiong breeze was blowing from the southwai'd and standing on the deck of the 
sloop, calm and resolute, he guided his charge safely through the crowded channels and 
rushing currents of the Gate into the open waters of the Sound. Meanwhile the crew of the 
steamer had not been idle. Steam had been made and everything put in shape and immedi- 
ately the two vessels were clear of New York waters, she in turn took the Huntress in tow 
and steamed on to New Haven, arriving there that same evening. 

Captain Beecher was then transferred from the sloop to the command of the tSteamboat. 

Compare the "United States"' with the steamboat of today. She had no staterooms 
and the entrance to her cabin was not much larger than the companion way of a small sloop. 
But she was then a large and magnilicent boat in the eyes of the people and any one who had 
never seen and inspected her was declared so far beliind the age that he had not even yet 
started in to live. 

Search lights and steam steei-ing gear were never dreamed of. 

The "United States'' had no pilot-house. The pilot stood in the stern and guided his 
vessel with a tiller and as his view forward was more or less obstructed he had to depend on 
the constant vigilance of a "lookout" in front. This practice finally became a law and 
to-day all steamers while under way carry an officer stationed at the bow. 

On June 1st, 1822, the "United States" made her first regular tri]) to Byram Cove 
which will be remembered as back of Captains Island, and at tlie boundary line of New York 
State and Connecticut. 



Byram Cove was as near New York as she could <j;(> on accoiiiit of the restricting laws 
of that state. 

Passengers for the Metropolis were there transferred to stages and tiiiished the journey on 
land, a drive of about twenty-five miles. The fare was then $4.00 through. These trips to Byram 
Cove continued nearly two years, when in the spiing of 1824, the law restricting steam navi- 
gation was declared unconstitutional by the United States Court and steam vessels were free 
to run through to New York or any where else they choose. 

So on March 15th, 1824, the " United States" began regular tiips between New Haven 
and New York landing in the latter place at the foot of Maiden Lane. 

As the years have rolled by various steamers keeping steady pace with the improve- 
ments of modern travel have furnished an excellent and reliable service between the two 
cities. 

E.ES, WAV-BII.I. I HUM M W VUKK TO M.WIHVIN *-_-!iJ?..'r..'yi, 



The City of New Haven 
has grown and prospered since 
those days, and with her the 
New Haven Steamboat Com- 
pany as one of her institutions 
has also grown from an infant 
industry to the proud place of 
one of the great Sound Lines 
from the Metropolis. 

The Steamer C. H. Nor- 
tham has always been con- 
sidered a great favorite with 






<^r./{,,^ 



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travelers and being luxuriously furnished in every detail, slie lias eclipsed all predecessors in 
popularity. 

Her length overall is 340, feet with a breadth of SO feet. 

She carries an upper tier of staterooms forward with an ample stairway leading to 
the corridors in front of them, and extending entirely around the saloon. The stairway, 
pedestals, and entire balustrade being made of solid mahogany, exquisitely designed and 
inlaid with ebony and other ornamental woods. 

The spacious stairway leading from the main deck just in front of the ladies' cabin, at 
once attracts attention, the same heavy carving and ornamental work is seen as in the stair- 
way leading to the gallery, while a feeling of security is imparted by the solidity and 
massiveness of the work. 

But few steamboats have the tasteful finish and the spacious clean sweep of grand 
saloon that this staunch vessel has, and its effect as one passes through cannot help but be 
remarked . 

Equipped with electric call bells, electric lights in staterooms and throughout the 
steamer, and every convenience for the comfort of the traveler, she is admirably adapted for 
the route and has gained for herself a wide i-eputation of being Al in everj' particular. 

The Northani carries a powerful search light and has steam steering gear, as well as all 
the mechanical devices and inventions. The immense deck room forward of the Lobby gives 
her great carrying capacity for freight and being strongly built and well out of the water, 
she is able to go through the Sound in any kind of weather, whicli guarantees the quick 
dispatch and prompt delivery of her caigo. 

The latest handsome addition to the New Haven Line is the mamniotli twin screw steel 
steamer Richard Peck, built by the Harlan & Hollingsworth Co., of Wilmington, Delaware. 



designed by Mr. A. Gary Smith, tlie famous fast yacht designer who also superintended 
lier construction in conjunction with Superintending Engineer Frank Soop. 

She is the fastest boat ever built by the Harlan & Hollingsworth Co., and every one 
knows the reputation this great shipbuilding tirm has for fine workmanship and mechanical 
skill. 

What a thrill of pleasure each one exj^erienced diiring'the test of speed when the 
experts who were timing her announced that she had broken the record, and that never before 
had a passenger vessel glided over the Delaware so swiftly. 

What a contrast that day to the trial made on the same river many years ago ! 

It was in 1786, when John Fitch propelled on the Delaware a little skijf by steam. She 
was a very diminutive affair, her engine having a cylinder of only one inch and her speed 
hardly gave her steerage way. But Fitch persisted in his experiments and in the same year 
managed to construct a boat which carried an engine with a twelve-inch cylinder. With his 
larger engine and more power he hoped to make a fair showing but much to his disappoint- 
ment the speed was very slow. Still hopeful of success he in 1790 propelled a boat on the 
Delaware of much larger dimensions and so successful was she that he plied her up and down 
the river making regular trips. These were the first steamboats in America. Fitch still 
continued to experiment in the steamboat line, and in 1796 he moved a small boat in New 
York waters by an engine and a small worm screw projecting in the rear. This was the first 
steam propeller known. From that time on, every few years liave added improvements to the 
construction of steam vessels until we have tlie floating palaces of the jn'ssent day. 

The Eichai-d Peck presents a handsome appearance on the water and carries with her 
a dainty, jaunty air. Her graceful lines are readily detected even by the most casual 
observer who mav not be familiar with the construction of vessels. 



Standing proudly well out of the water as though conscious of her charms, this noble 
vessel measures from the water line to the top of her pilot liouse a little over 43 feet ; her 
length on water line is 300 feet ; length over all 316 feet ; ))readth of beam 48 feet ; breadth 
over guards, 62 feet ; depth of hold, 18^ feet ; steam is furnished from six steel Scotch boilers, 
13x12 feet, with 400 square feet of grate surface. These boilers supply steam for two triple 
expansion surface condensing engines ; the low pressure cylinder being 60 inches in diameter, 
the high pressure, 24 inches and the intermediate, 38 inches ; the engines have a 30-inch 
stroke ; the horse power is over 4,000 ; in addition to the motive power are the electric light 
engines and dynamos. Edison incandescent system. The electrical machinery consists of 
two compound dynamos, two straight line engines, the united capacity of this power being 
600 incandescent lamps and a search light with a brilliancy of 6,000 candles. 

In the after part of the main deck is the Social Hall, and it is hei"e that the passengers 
are taken aboard. The immense freight space forward being shut off by a bulkhead and 
there being separate gang-ways, the passenger does not come in contact with tlie merchandise 
that is carried. 

The effect produced by the artistic blending of color in the Social Hall, the cream 
and terra cotta — the latter all in light shades is very pleasing — the shades of the electric 
lamps being in harmony. The floor of the Social Hall is of selected oak, laid in "ring-bone" 
pattern and is highly polished, the after bulk-head has large windows in the centre, through 
which can be seen the main stairway leading to. the grand saloon, on this deck just back of 
the stairway is situated the spacious ladies' cabin, the floor of the lobby is laid in 
mosaic stone tiling. 

The wood work of the stairs leading to the grand saloon is of solid mahogany. Upon 
reaching the saloon one is struck with the rich effect produced by the colors. The panels are 



of light cream. The lillets ol dark cream and the stiles of light salmon. The ceiling light 
cream. To enhance the general harmony of effect wherever possible, gold leaf is placed. 

The carpets are rich and soft and the fnrnitnre of the latest patterns and designs. 
The color of the carpet as well as that of the upholstering is of shades in keeping with the 
painting. 

The grand saloon is lighted by two eight-light-clusters of incandescent lamps in the 
dome, covered with opalescent globes, the side brackets are clusters of three lamps ; 
the other cluster lamps have, as might be described the tint or shading of the "morning 

glory." 

Outside on deck the lights are in globes of ground glass. 

The forward part of the engine bulkhead is open and through the glass can be had a 
view of the engineer's department, showing portions of the massive machinery below. 

The dining room is on the upper deck, reached by an ample stairway in the forward 
saloon. This stairway is lighted by day by a circular and peaked skylight divided into eight 
triangular panels of ground and ligured glass and at night by a row of lamps of shaded tints 
around the dome, which are very beautiful, and the effect at once attracts attention. They 
in connection with the other lamps set in the sides of the dining hall light up very brilliantly. 
The dining hall extends across the width of the upper deck, with spacious windows on 
each side opening out on deck. The cafe, just abaft the dining hall on the port side is 
finished in hard wood also cheerfully lighted and furnished with easy chairs and polished 

The ladies' cabin on the lower deck, just aft the main stairway is handsomely fitted up 
and well lighted. The furniture is richly upholstered and from the windows hang silken 
curtains. The berths are arranged in the centre instead of running around the sides, thus 



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affording free circulation of air, and mailing this saloon light and cheerful. There are a few 

staterooms here also with windows opening out on the quarter deck. At each entrance to this 

apartment hang heavy portiere curtains of exquisite design. 

The tired traveller may " wash up'' in the room fitted up for that purpose just off the 

lobby and immediately back of the Freight Clerk's office. 

Under the stairway at this part of the steamer will be found the entrance to the 

gentlemen's after cabin. The forward lower cabin which is for gentlemen also is reached by 

another stairway leading from the main deck forward. The arrangement of sleeping berths 

in these cabins is such that the ventilation is perfect. 

A great feature is the handsomely curtained observation rooms at each end of the 

grand saloon. From these points an un()))stnicted view is obtained without going out on deck 
should it be so preferi'ed. 

The staterooms are all lighted by electric lamps and have annunciator service; a great 
many are fitted with polished brass bedsteads. Some of ,tlie rooms are connecting, making 
them nicely arranged for families. These connecting rooms run through from the saloon to 
the outer deck. The general plan has been to make all these apartments as airy as possible, 
while the inside furnishings have been looked after with great care that the comfort of the 
occupants may be complete. 

The "Richard Peck" embodies in her construction and arrangements the latest and 
most approved ideas. She is equipped with steam steering gear, and so fitted that it can be 
instantly changed to the hand-gear, should it be desired. The system of steam heating 
throughout the vessel is excellent, and as for speed she is rightly termed a "flyer." She carries 
on her staff tlie long whip or pennant, signifying that she has no superior. She is the 
swiftest coastwise steamer in the world. She has demonstrated that her equal has not yet 
been constructed and has earned for herself the title " Queen of the Sound." 



ADVANTAGES. 



The New Haven Line of Steamers run all the year. The excellent system of 
steam-heating throughout the vessels makes them most comfortable during the cold weather. 
The advantages derived by business people are great. The merchant who wishes to 
spend the day in the Metropolis can retire aboard the Steamer and enjoy a full 
night's rest, awakening at his destination greatly refreshed and excellently prepared to 
cope with the affairs of the day. 

There being night Steamers in each direction the same benefit can be derived 
by the traveller whose destination may be up through New England. A solid night's 
rest can be had and one be prepared briglit and early to take the morning train. 

From New York staterooms can be engaged for tlie niglit steamer at the (general 
Office, Pier 25, East Biver and from New Haven, at Peck & Bishops, 702 Chapel Street 
and Mix's Drug Store, corner of Church and Chapel Sti-eets. 



THROUGH PASSENGER SERVICE. 



With the opening of tlie Summer travel comes the favorite Steamboat Train, beginning 
about the first of May and continuing through tlie warm months and until late in the Fall, 
when it may be said the balk of pleasure travel is over and the tourist season closed. 

As seen from the New Haven Line time tables, while these trains are running, quick time is 
made from New York to Meriden, New Britain, Hartford, Springlield. Holyoke, Northampton, 
and intermediate stations on the line of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad 
and Connecticut River division of the Boston and Maine Railroad. 

Passengers taking afternoon steamer from New York, for points on the line of the 
Steamboat Train, can reach destination the same evening, then again passengers by stopping 
over night in Springlield, after a quiet rest can continue the remainder of their journey 
through Massachusetts, Vermont or New Hampshire by early morning train. 

Connection is made with the night steamer from New York at New Haven by early 
steamboat train carrying passengers through next morning, while points far north may be 
reached that afterno®n. 

Through tickets to railroad points sold and baggage checked on steamer, also at the 
offices of the New York Transfer Company, 944 'Broadway, N. Y., and 4 Court St., Brooklyn. 

The down steamboat train, which leaves up north in the evening, running direct to the 
steamer leaving New Haven at midnight, is and always has been very popalar with business 
people. Staterooms can be engaged for the steamer in advance at Springlield, Hartford and 
Meriden. 

Steamer passengers who arrive in New Haven in the morning or dnring the day, on 
trains not running to steamboat wharf, may have their baggage ti-ansferred to steamer free of 
charge by ai:)plying at Peck & Bishop's Transfer Office in the passenger depot. Horse car 
service direct to old Line piei' at Belle Dock. 



•V '^'"s^, tVva,- ^TSfa"*;:'' f,^%^^p '-'^('"^ 







LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 110 306 4 # 



EXCURSIONS. 



A delightful trip may be made by the afternoon steamer from New York, arriving at 
New Haven in the early evening. Over four hours time can be had to stroll through the 
College Grounds and elm -arched streets of New Haven, or a drive to the shore. The same 
steamer leaving at midnight brings the excursionists back to New York bright and early next 
morning, giving them time to get home before the opening of business hours. 

There is not an excursion or a trip out of New York that can surpass this one, a view 
of Long Island Sound by daylight, a good dinner en route, a sail up New Haven Bay at 
twilight, a visit to the City of Elms and a summer night's sail home. After sweltering 
ashore in the hot city, one realizes afterwards what it is, to enjoy such an open air sail and a 
night of cool repose oil the 

The Steamer leaving 
the morning arriving in New 
aifords a tine day- 
' plenty of time is 
York and vicinity, 
side resorts, or any 
places of entertain- 
home next morn- 




broad bosom of the Sound. 
Belle Dock, New Haven in 
York in the afternoon also 
light sail and 
given to visit New 
the v a r i o u s sea- 
of the numerou."* 
ment, arriving 
iuu'. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



014 110 306 4 # 



EXCURSIONS. 



A delightful trip may be n)ade by the afternoon steamer from New York, arriving at 
New Haven in the early evening. Over four hours time can be had to stroll through the 
College Grounds and elm -arched streets of New Haven, or a drive to the shore. The same 
steamer leaving at midnight brings the excursionists back to New York bright and eaily next 
morning, giving them time to get home before the oijening of business hours. 

There is not an excursion or a trip out of New York that can surpass this one, a view 
of Long Island Sound by daylight, a good dinner en route, a sail up New Haven Bay at 
twilight, a visit to the City of Elms and a summer night's sail home. After sweltering 
ashore in the hot city, one realizes afterwn-rds what it is. to enjoy such an open air sail and a 



night of cool repose bri the 
The Steamer leaving 
the morning arriving in New 
affoi'ds a line day- 
' plenty of time is 
York and vicinity, 
side resorts, or any 
places of entertain - 
home next morn- v 




broad bosom of the Sound. 

Belle Dock, New Haven in 

York in the afternoon also 
light sail and 
given to visit New 
the various sea- 
of the numeroxiR 
nient, a r riving 

•i in<i\ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



00U1103064 I> 



